Episode #160: FranchiseVision – David Busker
David Busker of Franchise Vision: Helping Entrepreneurs Build Their Own Path David Busker is the founder of Franchise Vision and a seasoned franchise consultant who turned personal adversity into business opportunity. After being let go from multiple high-level corporate roles—including CEO and CFO positions—David found his true calling in franchise ownership. Now, through his consulting work, he helps aspiring business owners across North America find their ideal franchise fit and take control of their future. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 160 The Trigger to Change: Most franchise owners start with a trigger moment—some shift from the status quo that pushes them to finally act. Mindset Shift is Crucial: David stresses the importance of action over analysis when dealing with adversity: “You can’t let things get to you. Just start working the problem.” Don’t Make Your Hobby Your Business: Passion is key, but obsession with the industry isn’t necessary—what matters is loving business itself. Franchises Help You Leverage Time: You skip the guesswork with branding, systems, and operations—allowing more time to focus on growth. Corporate Experience = Franchise Fit: Former executives thrive as franchisees because they already understand leadership, structure, and execution. Watch David’s Full Story If you’re even thinking about opening a franchise, this episode is a must-watch. Hear David’s full journey and learn how you can follow in his footsteps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RQGWXNPWbs Memorable Quote: “If you don’t know where you want to go, then any path will take you there.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with David Linkedin Globe
Episode #278: Jeff Bettag
Jeff Bettag is a certified health coach, longtime Juice Plus+ independent distributor, and the creator of EatTheDamnSalad.com. With nearly two decades in fitness and wellness, Jeff blends practical nutrition, simple training frameworks, and entrepreneurial grit to help busy people—especially business owners—protect their most valuable asset: their health.
Episode #164: Crystal Lily Creative – Crystal
Guest Profile: Crystal Whittaker of Crystal Lily Creative — Championing Authentic Inclusion Through Branding Crystal Whittaker is the founder of Crystal Lily Creative, an inclusive branding consultancy built from the ground up with heart, purpose, and a powerful mission. After leaving the rigidity of corporate America, Crystal followed her passion for storytelling and social equity—first through photography, and eventually through guiding values-driven brands to show up authentically and inclusively. Her work empowers coaches, creatives, and conscious companies to lead with intention and create spaces that truly welcome everyone. 5 Key Takeaways from Crystal’s Episode: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Crystal left her corporate career feeling disconnected and soul-sucked—pivoting to a photography business that eventually morphed into a purpose-led branding consultancy. Inclusion is More Than a Buzzword: She educates businesses on real, values-based inclusion—not just performative marketing—helping leaders infuse DEI into their brand DNA. Equity ≠ Equality: Crystal gives a powerful explanation of the difference between equity and equality in business, emphasizing fairness over sameness. Mental Health Matters: Crystal opens up about her battle with situational depression and how having a support system, therapy, and mindfulness practices helped her heal and thrive. Simple Steps to Inclusive Language: From using team-based language to sharing your pronouns, Crystal shares actionable ways leaders can foster belonging through everyday communication. Don’t miss this deeply human and eye-opening conversation with Crystal Whittaker on Episode 164 of Clicks & Bricks Podcast. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqYeIAettZQ Memorable Quote: “You are not required to be productive in order to have value. Take care of yourself first and foremost.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Crystal Facebook Linkedin Globe Instagram
Episode #121: AcuHaus – Angie Weber
Angie Weber of AcuHaus: How a Military Vet Turned Doctor of Chinese Medicine is Healing Her Community with Eastern Wellness Angie Weber, founder of AcuHaus in Minnesota, is a powerhouse entrepreneur who turned her passion for fitness and wellness into a thriving acupuncture practice. From her military roots to building a med spa that blends Eastern and Western medicine, Angie’s journey is an inspiring example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. On Clicks & Bricks, she shares how mindset, adaptability, and passion fueled her success—even through the challenges of opening just before the pandemic. This Episode’s Highlights Start with passion: Angie discovered her love for fitness and wellness while being a stay-at-home mom and turned it into a career helping others. Eastern meets Western: She combines Chinese medicine with her Western medical background to provide holistic care for long-term wellness, not just symptom relief. Mindset matters: Entrepreneurs must overcome perfectionism, adapt quickly, and dream bigger to succeed—especially when faced with adversity. Stress relief is key: Acupuncture is a powerful tool to help business owners manage stress, improve sleep, and boost their energy levels without relying on caffeine. The market is wide open: With only 500 licensed acupuncturists in Minnesota, Angie highlights how Eastern medicine is a growing business opportunity in the U.S. Ready to learn how Angie turned her passion into a thriving business—and how acupuncture can help you manage entrepreneurial stress? Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cKM1KuiG1Y&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=55 Memorable Quote: You’ve got to love what you do—there’s way too much work not to love it. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Angie X-twitter Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Episode #118: IYLIA – Layla-Joy
Guest Spotlight: Layla-Joy Williams, Founder & CEO of IYLIA — From Footwear to Fine Wine Layla-Joy Williams is a creative powerhouse and the founder of IYLIA, a brand that began in the world of women’s luxury footwear and has since expanded into the adult beverage industry. With a background in industrial design and years of experience at top fashion brands like Nine West and Michael Kors, Layla-Joy has transformed her entrepreneurial drive into two thriving product lines. In this episode, she shares her journey from designing shoes in Spain to creating clean, high-quality wines that reflect her passion for craftsmanship and detail. This Episode’s Highlights From Footwear to Fine Wine: Layla-Joy transitioned from designing high-end shoes to producing Spanish wines when the pandemic disrupted global manufacturing. Pandemic Pivot: Stuck in Spain during COVID-19 lockdowns, she turned her energy toward learning the wine business from the ground up—right in the heart of Spanish wine country. Why Spanish Wine? She believes Spanish raw products offer superior quality and consistency compared to their Italian and French counterparts. Mindset for Success: Layla-Joy attributes her entrepreneurial growth to kindness and respect—treating everyone from servers to executives with equal dignity. Healthier Wine Habits: Her top tips to avoid wine hangovers? Stay hydrated, eat starchy foods, and get plenty of rest. Watch the full episode to hear Layla-Joy’s inspiring pivot story and business advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99FVveuXBN8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=6 Memorable Quote: It’s important for you to be as respectful to the person that’s serving you food as the person who’s the executive at the company. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Layla-Joy Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Episode #117: Stradea – Hugo Gatsby
Hugo Gatsby of Stradea: Turning Adversity Into Entrepreneurial Success Through Behavioral Science Web Design Hugo Gatsby is the founder of Stradea Design Labs, a web design company rooted in behavioral science. Diagnosed as non-verbal autistic until the age of 12, Hugo’s journey into entrepreneurship came later in life, but his impact has been nothing short of inspiring. With a strong focus on mindset, branding, and leading with purpose, Hugo helps small businesses build smarter, more impactful websites. This Episode’s Highlights Tell Your Brand Story: Hugo shares how weaving your personal story into your brand creates connection and trust. Mentorship Matters: He emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Fail Forward: Hugo embraces failure as a learning opportunity and encourages others to keep moving ahead despite setbacks. Optimize Your Website: He outlines three critical things every business owner should do to make their website effective. Lead with Purpose: Hugo believes in teaching others to lead and inspiring them to stay, creating a positive ripple effect in business and life. Don’t miss Hugo Gatsby’s incredible story of resilience and growth. Watch the full Clicks & Bricks Podcast episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9UM_4WjeUc&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=51 Memorable Quote: I fail a lot—but I fail forward every time. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Hugo Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Episode #108: Bend Center – Manny Aragon
Manny Aragon of Bend Center: Integrating Wellness and Entrepreneurship for Lifelong Impact Manny Aragon, co-founder of Bend Center for Integrated Health and Wellness, joins Clicks and Bricks to share his inspiring journey from corporate America to wellness entrepreneurship. As a Board Certified Structural Integration Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist, Manny empowers individuals to reclaim their health through posture correction, movement, and holistic care—especially when traditional medicine falls short. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljSWUcJNdxU&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=43 This Episode’s Highlights Structural integration improves posture and mobility for those struggling with chronic pain or post-surgery setbacks. Bend Center offers acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and movement therapies to help clients find balance and wellness. Manny believes true business success comes from patience, embracing mistakes, and putting the client’s needs first. Technology—like frame-by-frame movement analysis on smartphones—is making advanced wellness diagnostics accessible to everyone. Staying present, loving the hard tasks in your business, and always doing your best leads to lasting success. Want to hear how wellness and business growth intersect? Watch the full episode with Manny Aragon now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hA-mEgr1zI Memorable Quote: For the aspiring business person, there’s no way you’re going to avoid making mistakes. Fail faster. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Manny Linkedin Globe
Episode #93: Creator of the Speed System – Tierre Jones
Tierre Jones of The Speed System: Building Better Athletes—and Business Leaders—Through Recovery and Mindset Tierre “Coach T” Jones, founder of The Speed System, is transforming fitness from a temporary challenge into a lifelong lifestyle. With a background as a collegiate and pro football player and over 15 years of training athletes of all ages, Coach T is on a mission to create holistic fitness programs that emphasize not just physical training, but also nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mental clarity. His approach isn’t just for athletes—business owners and leaders can apply these principles to sharpen their performance and lead healthier lives. 5 Key Takeaways from This Episode: The Speed System is a complete lifestyle program, not just a workout—focusing on assessments, recovery, nutrition, and performance. Recovery (especially sleep) is the #1 factor for improving both athletic and business performance. Business owners must prioritize their own health to protect their company’s future—hustling without rest leads to burnout and failure. Meditation and mental clarity give leaders the ability to pivot calmly during adversity, as Coach T did during the 2020 pandemic. Social media, particularly Instagram, played a crucial role in growing The Speed System’s reach from a local gym to a global brand. Watch the full episode of Clicks & Bricks featuring Tierre Jones and learn how to train like an athlete in business and life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hA-mEgr1zI Memorable Quote: Movement is definite, but growth is optional. You have to choose to level up—on the field and in life. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Tierre Instagram Globe